28-Jan-08: Vettel Happy to Start Season in Old Car
This is F1 Minute for the 28th January 2008.
Sebastian Vettel thinks that starting the season with his old car might not be such a bad thing. Speaking to Formula1.com, Vettel said he felt comfortable in the old car and happy in the knowledge that whilst others are struggling with teething problems in their new machines, he will have a car he knows very well. There is no specific date for the launch of the new car, but it’s expected that it will appear after three or four races.
Prodrive boss David Richards isn’t joining F1 this year, but is still having his say about things that may affect the sport in the future. Talking of the proposed budget caps idea, Richards believes that the plan is simply an excuse for poor technical regulations. He says he’s seen the scheme attempted and failed in Australia, and as a team boss, he wouldn’t want to go back to being an accountant again.
And very quickly to finish, two snippets from Max Mosley: He says the sport will be stronger for the controversial 2007 season, and despite speculation, he believes teams will not be able to get round the standard ECU.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
10-Jan-08: Wurz Returns to F1 with Honda
It’s the 10th January 2008, and this is F1 Minute.
Alex Wurz has come out of retirement to sign for Honda as third driver this year. Wurz retired from racing at the end of last year, to be replaced at Williams by Nakajima. However, lured by working with Ross Brawn, Wurz has joined the team to help develop the car.
Force India held an event in India to officially confirm Fisichella as their number one driver, with Adrian Sutil as team mate, and Tonio Liuzzi as test driver. Fisichella was quick to point out that this was not his only opportunity, but the best one.
Toyota launched their 2008 contender this morning, in Cologne. The drivers and management were present, with everyone pretty much admitting the pressure is on to get some results after a disappointing 2007.
And very quickly, the Autosport International show has started today in Birmingham, and an interesting snippet comes from Dave Richards, who has said that customer cars are looking really unlikely, and therefore Prodrive’s plans are basically scuppered.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
08-Jan-08: All Teams Look to the Future
Today is the 8th January 2008, I’m Christine and this is F1 Minute.
Today is a day for looking forward. Super Aguri have announced they will be launching their new car in February. It will be revealed and take to the track in Barcelona on the 19th.
Force India have announced they will be confirming their second driver on Thursday. Pitpass reports they have an incredibly reliable source telling them that Fisichella has been signed, with Tonio Liuzzi as the test driver. Only a few more days and then we’ll know for sure.
McLaren test driver Gary Paffett is looking to 2009 for a chance of a race drive, hoping that Prodrive will be able to get on the grid by then. He says he was very disappointed when Prodrive had to withdraw their 2008 entry, as he felt the links between McLaren and the new team worked in his favour.
Both Ron Dennis and Luca di Montezemolo have been talking up their competitiveness for the season ahead. Dennis was optimistic, saying he couldn’t wait to build on the momentum of last year. Montezemolo was a little more realistic saying the new rules would make things tough but he’s still feeling confident.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
05-Dec-07: Hamilton Fastest on Jerez Day Two
This is F1 Minute for the 5th December 2007.
Lewis Hamilton posted the fastest time over the second day at Jerez, despite running off track in the early hours. David Coulthard was just behind him, beating two Ferraris and de la Rosa in the other McLaren. Fisichella was in the Force India car again, but was beaten a couple of places by Klien in the sister car. There were four red flags brought about by Heidfeld, Vettel, Webber and Rosberg.
Away from the track, Max Mosley has been setting the record straight regarding engines and Prodrive. Firstly, he believes the ten year engine freeze will be beneficial to both manufacturers and sponsors alike. He said the idea should appeal to sponsors especially, because they are aware of the need for an environmental conscience, and Formula 1 needs to be seen doing its bit.
Mosley has also confirmed that he cannot guarantee Prodrive’s entry for 2009, because of the ongoing legal complications. Ordinarily, their entry would be renewed automatically, but with no Concorde Agreement in sight, and their forfeit of the seat this time round, it looks like they will have to submit an entry all over again.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
23-Nov-07: Prodrive Won’t Race in 2008
It’s the 23rd November 2007, this is F1 Minute, and these are your top headlines for today.
Prodrive have said they will not be participating in the 2008 championship after last minute legal battles. A statement from the team said that they were disappointed at the challenges they faced with the Concorde Agreement, especially as their plans to use a customer car had been public knowledge for a year beforehand. Prodrive do intend to enter Formula 1 at some stage though, when an agreement can finally be reached.
Also in the news today, teams have been complaining about what they see as underhanded tactics from Honda. In the recent test at Barcelona, Super Aguri tested out some new, young drivers, apparently on Honda’s behalf. This means that Honda could continue using up their own testing miles for the data, and let Super Aguri use up their miles on the drivers.
Finally, details of a legal document given to the FIA by McLaren reveal they believe Renault did benefit from having their information. The document also revealed McLaren are unhappy with some of the submissions from Renault engineers, believing them to be misleading.
That’s all for today, have a great weekend, and join me on Monday for another F1 Minute.
10-Oct-07: Prodrive Worry About 2008 Entry
Hello everybody, this is F1 Minute, I’m Christine and these are your top headlines for 10th October.
Autosport.com are reporting that Prodrive, the 12th entrant for the 2008 season, may actually struggle to have a car ready in time for the season opener. After the FIA announced the hearing for the legality of customer cars in a couple of weeks, Prodrive’s misery has been compounded by McLaren dropping negotiations to be the supplier, for the time being. Team boss Dave Richards remains confident these are just short term issues.
McLaren have also made headlines today by reiterating their equality policy for drivers, especially for the last and deciding race in Brazil. There have been mumblings in all directions that either Alonso or Hamilton will be favoured, but McLaren are adamant this will not happen, despite strained relationships within the team.
And finally, UK newspaper, the Daily Mail is reporting that Williams have made a £28 million loss in 2006, down from a similar sized profit the previous year.
Please join me tomorrow for another F1 minute.